noun
gage
gayj
noun
1
Something given as a pledge or security, often as a challenge to a duel or contest.
"The knight threw down his glove as a gage."
2
A type of small, sweet plum (also called greengage).
"The orchard grows several rows of gage trees."
verb
1
To pledge or pawn something as security.
"He gaged his watch to cover the debt."
How to Use Gage
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned word for a pledge or security deposit, or a type of plum.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "gauge" (a measuring instrument) — they're pronounced alike but spelled and mean differently.
Easily confused with
Word Forms
gaged past tense, gages plural, gages plural, gages plural, Gages plural, gages singular
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “gage”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The knight threw down his glove as a _____.
Etymology
From Old French gage, ultimately from a Frankish word related to "pledge"; a doublet of "wage."